U.S. Marines CH53D Sea Stallion

Barbers Point, Hawaii, 07 February 2002 
Watchful of turbulent waters below, members of a U.S. Navy Seal team fast-roped onto a Navy
submarine during joint training performed with the "Ugly Angels" of HMH-362 Feb. 7.

U.S. Marines photo taken by Sgt. Alexis R. Mulero

Story associated with this photo written by Sgt. Alexis R. Mulero

Their mission was to keep the aircraft steady while two U.S. Navy Seal teams fast-roped down
into the extremely violent waters five miles south of Barbers Point, Hawaii.

This training was unique because of the various hazards the pilots and aircrew encountered
while dropping off the Sailors. One of the hazards was flying the aircraft too close to the ocean,
which pounded the sub.

"It was extremely challenging," said Capt. Carroll Lane, pilot for HMH-362, who dropped off
two Navy Seal teams onto the two vessels, "especially hovering that close to the sub's tower
and holding my position while the seals fast-roped down."

Although it was the pilots who flew the aircraft, the success of any fastrope evolution is coordination
between the pilots and the aircrew.

"Pilots can't see fastropers when they come off the ramp," said Staff Sgt. David Welch, crewchief.
"They depend on their aircrew to help maintain proper position over the deck."

After the last Sailor fast-roped onto the sub, the "Ugly Angels" returned to K-Bay with some
hard-core training under their belts.

"This training was very challenging," said Lane.

"It offered us the opportunity to practice fast-roping on a surface other than pavement or grass,"
he explained.

The flights benefited both the HMH-362 Marines and the two Navy Seal teams.

"This was a great opportunity for us to experience the manner in which our sister service does business
and show them how we handle ours,"added Lane.